Page 16 of Embers of Fate
“Bram Draken,” I breathe, aghast. Here, in the heart of Ursa territory?Impossible. This is completely unheard of… and outrageous.
“You dare to steal from me? To rob me of my hard-earned position in the Deveraux lineage?” Bram’s tirade fills the room, but my thoughts drift elsewhere. What madness possesses this Draken heir? Why would he recklessly enter my brother’s domain and challenge him to a fight he will surely lose? Is he so desperate for death to sweep him off this earth?
Gavriil’s chest heaves, fury burning through him like lava in his veins. His jaw clenches with crushing force, the muscles of his neck cording dangerously.
He spears me with a scorching glare that makes me shrink back. “Samara, Mila—leave. Now.” Although spoken in the lowest of voices, each word snaps like thunder. In his rage, I glimpse the bear inside straining against its human cage, claws poised to slash and maim.
I rise from the seat and take a bold step forward, palms raised beseechingly. “Brother, don’t...” I plead, fear clawing at my heart. The mere thought of him slaying the warlock and reigniting the ancient feud between our families terrifies me to my core.
Sasha appears soundlessly beside me, gently grasping my arm. “Come, my princess,” he murmurs. When our eyes meet, I read a calm certainty in him that helps smother my panic. His lips remain sealed, but his gaze speaks volumes. It whispers,‘I’m here, Sam. Fear not.’
I slip on my shoes and let Sasha guide me into the hall, but linger at the threshold as Mila scurries away. Gripping Sasha’s sleeve, I hiss urgently, “Do not let it end in bloodshed. Please.”
He smiles with infuriating tranquility. “Trust me.” And with that, he slips inside and pulls the doors shut, sealing me out.
I stare helplessly at the carved wood barrier, muffling but not fully concealing the escalating confrontation within. Never have I felt so powerless in my own home, my fists clenched tight with frustration.
A deafening clamor erupts from the foyer, sending shockwaves of anger and chaos through the clan. Without hesitation, I sprint towards the disturbance, my heart pounding with urgency.
“You!” Dima growls at someone, his voice reverberating through the expansive hall. “Wait outside!”
“I am not leaving him,” a man’s voice interjects with resolute calm.
“You’re not getting past us either!” says another of my kin.
Slowly, I push through the gathered onlookers to find Dima confronting a broad-shouldered stranger, warning him away with a dangerous growl.
“Get out of my way,” the man demands, unfazed by the imposing figures of my brothers. It takes guts to stand up to a pack of seven-foot-tall bear shifters.
But I can’t let this escalate. There will be no bloodshed in our home.
Before violence can erupt, I step between them, gently pulling Dima’s arm down. As I turn to face the defiant intruder, the air leaves my lungs in a rush.
No, it cannot be.
Yet here he stands—the man from the club, his piercing azure eyes unmistakable. Heat floods my veins at the sight.
Hot Guy.
Hot Guy is in my home.
“You…” I breathe in wonder, the rest of the world fading away. Only he remains in sharp focus.
10
NIK
My every conviction shatters the instant I lay eyes on her—the mysterious siren from the club.What is she doing here, in the lair of the Ursa? I blink hard, certain she must be a vision conjured up by my longing.
But the goddess remains before me in the flesh. Our stares lock, raw shock reflected between us. She worries her full lower lip with even white teeth, hesitation at war with boldness in her gleaming chestnut eyes.
Without a word, she slips through the line of hulking guards blocking my path. They are granite cliffs; she the sea slipping smoothly between them. Halting inches away, she holds my gaze, uncertainty flickering across her exquisite features.
“Come with me,” she murmurs, gentle yet firm. Her tone carries a subtle reassuring quality, almost subdued. When she lowers her eyes demurely, I realize it is my temper she seeks to tame, not my courage. For the sake of peace, I will let her try.
Somehow, she sees through my facade of calm and glimpses the furious blaze kindling wildly inside me. I’m desperate to join my brother as he recklessly confronts the Ursa king—what the hell is Bram thinking? This must be the most foolish thing he’s ever done.
But now she’s here, and my thoughts turn to her, mystified and enthralled.
